CN1731269A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a high-functionality imaging apparatus capable of performing focus adjustment on an object which can be arbitrarily set. The imaging apparatus outputs an electric image signal of the object and comprises; an imaging optical system that includes a focusing lens group for performing focus adjustment and forms an optical image of the object; an imaging device that captures the optical image of the object and converts the optical image into an electric image signal; an image dividing part that divides the image signal into a plurality of areas; a color characteristic calculation part that calculates a color characteristic from the image signal for each of the areas; a preset color characteristic setting part that previously sets a preset color characteristic; an area selection part that selects at least one of the areas based on a result of a comparison between the preset color characteristic and each color characteristic calculated by the color characteristic calculation part; a focus information calculation part that calculates focus information of the imaging optical system for the selected area; and a lens driving part that drives the focusing lens group in a direction of an optical axis based on the focus information.

Description

Camera head

Technical field

The present invention relates to camera heads such as digital still life camera and digital video video camera, specifically, relate to camera heads such as the digital still life camera that possesses auto-focus function and digital video video camera.

Background technology

Current, the camera heads such as digital still life camera, digital video video camera that possess imaging apparatuss such as CCD, CMOS are popularized rapidly.Its main flow of these camera heads normally detects focusing state according to the picture signal of picked-up object, and the focus lens group that makes in the photographic optical system to be comprised according to testing result moves on optical axis direction, carries out auto focus control thus.

Along with the multifunction of camera head, auto focus control is also more and more required high-performance.What for example TOHKEMY 2004-37733 communique 1 proposed is that the picture signal of picked-up object is cut apart the zone for a plurality of AF, and skin pixel number is separately counted, the automatic focusing system of specifying the camera head in the AF zone that focuses on adjustment to use.

The automatic focusing system that the spy opens 1 record of 2004-37733 communique is set at main picked-up object with the personage.Specifically, the automatic focusing system that the spy opens the record of 2004-37733 communique forms by carrying out focus control according to skin pixel, makes the focal region follow the personage, can carry out certain focusing to the personage all the time.

The spy opens the automatic focusing system of 2004-37733 communique record, owing to only the personage is set at main picked-up object, therefore exists for other picked-up objects to focus on this problem of following.Digital still life camera and digital video video camera etc. just are not main picked-up object with personage, and the therefore special automatic focusing system of opening the record of 2004-37733 communique just can't satisfy user's requirement.

Therefore, its purpose of the present invention is, the high-performance camera head that can focus on adjustment to the picked-up object that can set arbitrarily is provided.

Summary of the invention

The foregoing invention purpose can utilize following camera head to realize.Camera head of the present invention, the electrical picture signal of output picked-up object is characterized in that, comprising: comprise and regulate the focus lens group that focus is used, the image pickup optical system that the optical image of formation picked-up object is used; Absorb the optical image of this picked-up object, be transformed to the imaging apparatus of electrical picture signal; Picture signal is cut apart image segmentation portion for a plurality of zones; Each zone is calculated the look information calculations portion of look information respectively according to picture signal; Preestablish the reference color information setting portion of reference color information; The comparative result of the both information of all kinds that is calculated according to reference color information and look information calculations portion is selected the wherein regional selection portion of at least one of each zone; Selected zone is calculated the focusing information calculations portion of the focusing information of image pickup optical system; And on optical axis direction, driving the lens drive division of focus lens group according to focusing information, look information and reference color information are formed by information that relates to tone and the wherein at least a information of information that relates to colourity.

Preferably, reference color information is that look information calculations portion is according to the picture signal of absorbing in advance, the look information that the desired zone that image segmentation portion is cut apart calculates.As an example, comprise the display part of demonstration based on the image of picture signal, also comprise selected zone, according to reference color information, the appointed area colour correction handling part that the color of the picture signal that should show display part is revised.

Preferably, comprise image processing part, this image processing part comprises the correction portion according to the picture signal of reference color information correction imaging apparatus output, and focusing information calculations portion calculates focusing information according to the picture signal of being revised.As an example, correction portion is carried out and the different correction of picture signal that is used to show purposes or storage purposes the picture signal of imaging apparatus output.

Preferably, look information calculations portion calculates brightness with regard to each zone respectively according to picture signal, also comprises simultaneously: judge that the brightness calculate is whether greater than the brightness detection unit of setting; And the prohibited area selection portion is selected brightness that the brightness detection unit the calculated selection prohibition unit greater than the zone of setting.

Preferably, also comprise when the lens drive division drives focus lens group secondary light source, the look information that look information calculations portion calculates according to the color correct of fill-in light to picked-up object projection fill-in light.

Preferably, also comprise the information storage part of storing a plurality of reference color information.It is desirable to, also comprise the display part of a plurality of reference color information of display message storage portion stores.

Preferably, the information storage part that also comprises a plurality of reference color information of storage and the picture signal that is used to show the image relevant with this reference color information.It is desirable to, also comprise the wherein display part of at least one of the image of the picture signal that demonstration is stored based on information storage part and a plurality of reference color information.

Preferably, camera head is separable to be camera head main body and shooting optic, the shooting optic comprises image pickup optical system, and the camera head main body comprises imaging apparatus, image segmentation portion, look information calculations portion, reference color information setting portion, regional selection portion, focusing information calculations portion and lens drive division.

Preferably, camera head is separable to be camera head main body and shooting optic, the shooting optic comprises image pickup optical system and lens drive division, and the camera head main body comprises imaging apparatus, image segmentation portion, look information calculations portion, reference color information setting portion, regional selection portion and focusing information calculations portion.

Above-mentioned purpose can utilize following SIC (semiconductor integrated circuit) to realize.The present invention is used for the SIC (semiconductor integrated circuit) of above-mentioned camera head, makes image segmentation portion, look information calculations portion, reference color information setting portion, regional selection portion and the work of focusing information calculations portion at least.

Adopt the present invention, the high-performance camera head that the picked-up object that can set is arbitrarily focused on adjustment can be provided.

Above-mentioned and other purposes, feature, mode, effect of the present invention have further understanding from the detailed description that following contrast accompanying drawing carries out.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 1.

Fig. 2 is the skeleton diagram at the camera head main body back side in the embodiment of the present invention 1.

Fig. 3 is the workflow diagram of the reference color information setting of picked-up object in the embodiment of the present invention 1.

Fig. 4 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object in the embodiment of the present invention 1 at central part.

Fig. 5 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 1 at central part.

Fig. 6 is the operational formula of color harmony chrominance information in the embodiment of the present invention 1.

Fig. 7 is the drawing of color harmony chrominance information in the embodiment of the present invention 1.

Fig. 8 is a reference color information and with reference to the drawing of the color harmony chrominance information of near zone 1 in the expression embodiment of the present invention 1.

Fig. 9 is a reference color information and with reference to the drawing of the color harmony chrominance information of near zone 2 in the expression embodiment of the present invention 1.

Figure 10 focuses in the expression embodiment of the present invention 1 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.

Figure 11 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 1.

Figure 12 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of 2 picked-up objects and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 1.

Figure 13 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 2.

Figure 14 is the more detailed block diagram of image processing part in the embodiment of the present invention 2.

Figure 15 focuses in the embodiment of the present invention 2 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.

Figure 16 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 2.

Figure 17 is that the preceding focal position and the performance plot of contrast value are revised in gain in the embodiment of the present invention 2.

Figure 18 is the performance plot of gain revised focal position and contrast value in the embodiment of the present invention 2.

Figure 19 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 3.

Figure 20 focuses in the expression embodiment of the present invention 3 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.

Figure 21 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 4.

Figure 22 is the more detailed block diagram of image processing part in the embodiment of the present invention 4.

Figure 23 is the workflow diagram of the reference color information setting of picked-up object in the embodiment of the present invention 4.

Figure 24 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 4.

Figure 25 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 5.

Figure 26 is the more detailed block diagram of image processing part in the embodiment of the present invention 5.

Figure 27 is the workflow diagram of the reference color information setting of picked-up object in the embodiment of the present invention 5.

Figure 28 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object, regional frame and reference picture (1) in the embodiment of the present invention 5.

Shown in Figure 29 is the routine tables of data that reference information configuration part (48) is stored.

Figure 30 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object, regional frame and reference picture (1 and 2) in the embodiment of the present invention 5.

Figure 31 focuses in the embodiment of the present invention 5 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.

Figure 32 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object, regional frame and reference picked-up object (1～3) in the embodiment of the present invention 5.

Embodiment

(embodiment 1)

Fig. 1 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 1.The camera head of embodiment 1 comprises lens barrel 11, as the zoom-lens system 12 of image pickup optical system, CCD14, image processing part 15, video memory 16, display part 17, operating portion 19, secondary light source 20, lens drive division 21 and system controller 30 as imaging apparatus.

The lens barrel 11 inner zoom-lens systems 12 that keep.Zoom-lens system 12 is the image pickup optical systems that can change the enlargement ratio of the optical image that absorbs object.Variable focus lens package 12a that zoom-lens system 12 moves along optical axis when changing multiplying power successively from the picked-up object and variable focus lens package 12b and formed along the focus lens group 13 that optical axis moves in order to regulate focusing state.

CCD14 makes a video recording to zoom-lens system 12 formed optical images with predetermined timing, and is transformed to the imaging apparatus of electrical picture signal output.Image processing part 15 is handling parts that picture signal that CCD14 is exported applies regulation Flame Image Process such as white-balance correction, γ correction.The picture signal that 16 pairs of image processing parts 15 of video memory are exported is carried out disposable storage.

Display part 17 is typically LCD, instruction according to system controller 30 output of ubi infra, picture signal by image processing part 15 input picture signals that CCD14 exported or video memory 16 are stored shows as visual image this picture signal to the user.And image processing part 15 can with can carry out bidirectional access by the storage card 18 of user loading and unloading.Storage card 18 is according to the instruction of system controller 30 outputs of ubi infra, the picture signal of being stored by image processing part 15 input storage picture signals that CCD14 exported or video memory 16, or by image processing part 15 picture signal of being stored is exported to video memory 16 and temporarily store.

Operating portion 19 is arranged at the camera head external side of main body, is that the user sets or operate button of usefulness and so on to the camera head main body.In addition, operating portion 19 comprises a plurality of action buttons, but details will describe with Fig. 2 in the back.Secondary light source 20 is typically LED, is the light-emitting component that illuminates picked-up object one side under the situation of imaging environment insufficient light according to the instruction of the system controller 30 of ubi infra.

Lens drive division 21 is according to the instruction of the lens position control part 33 of the system controller 30 of ubi infra, and the drive signal that drives focus lens group 13 is gone up in output at optical axis direction (A direction or B direction).

System controller 30 is realized by SIC (semiconductor integrated circuit), is comprised image segmentation portion 31, focusing state calculating part 32, lens position control part 33, look information calculations portion 34, reference color information setting portion 35 and regional selection portion 36.Image segmentation portion 31 carries out the picture signal of video memory 16 output is cut apart processing for a plurality of zones.Focusing information calculations portion 32 positional informations according to each regional contrast information and focus lens group 13 are calculated defocus amount by the picture signal that is divided into a plurality of zones through image segmentation portion 31.

Lens position control part 33 generates the control signal that control condenser lens 13 positions are used according to the defocus amount that focusing information calculations portion 32 is exported, and exports to lens drive division 21.And the positional information of lens position control part 33 will utilize lens drive division 21 to drive condenser lenses 13 time exported to focusing state calculating part 32.At this moment, focusing state calculating part 32 can calculate defocus amount according to the positional information and the contrast information of condenser lens 13.

Look information calculations portion 34 calculates each regional look information according to the picture signal that is divided into a plurality of zones by image segmentation portion 31.Reference color information setting portion 35 calculates in the middle of each regional look information of being exported from look information calculations portion 34 the look information in user-selected fixed zone and is stored, and carries out the reference color information setting and handles.In addition, look information calculations portion 34 comprises nonvolatile memory, even also can preserve the reference color information of temporary transient storage under the situation of cut-out camera head main body power supply.

Zone selection portion 36 compares by the look both information that each regional look information that look information calculations portion 34 is exported and reference color information setting portion 35 are exported, select zone unanimous on the whole, focusing information calculations portion 32 is exported in the position in selected zone, focus on and follow the shooting processing.That is to say that reference color information setting portion 35 focuses under the situation of following the shooting processing and reads the look information of being stored, and exports to regional selection portion 36.

Fig. 2 is the skeleton diagram at the camera head main body back side in the embodiment of the present invention 1.The camera head of embodiment 1 comprises camera head main body 10, display part 17, operating portion 19 and view finder (finder) 10a.

View finder 10a will absorb object with optical mode to image in optical system in user's pupil.Display part 17 is the LCD that illustrate previously, and the picture signal of being absorbed is shown to the user as visual image.Operating portion 19 is made up of shutter release button 19a, cursor key 19b, confirming button 19c, menu button 19d.

Shutter release button 19a follows the shooting processing by partly being pushed by the user to begin to focus on, and carries out the image that is absorbed is stored in this effect of storage card when by the user it being pressed fully.Cursor key 19b can operate option and content thereof in the middle of the menu that is used for the various mode of operations that show from display part 17.Confirming button 19c can operate and be used for determining by the selected content of cursor 19b.The menu that menu button 19d can operate the various mode of operations that are used to carry out camera head main body routine shows.

In the menu item of various mode of operations, the display part 17 of ubi infra comprises this processing of look information (reference color information setting) that whether begins to store the picture signal of being absorbed.User operation menu button 19d handles the menu of beginning in case show relevant reference color information setting on display part 17, and cursor key 19b just can accept selection to its content by user's operation.Under this state, the user operates cursor key 19b and selects beginning reference color information setting to handle, in case operation confirming button 19c just can be handled by reference color information setting portion 35 beginning reference color information settings.

Fig. 3 is the workflow diagram of the reference color information setting of picked-up object in the embodiment of the present invention 1.Flow chart shown in Figure 3 is shown in the workflow of the program of working on the system controller 30.And Fig. 4 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object in the embodiment of the present invention 1 at central part, provides an example mirrors picked-up object P1 at the central part of display part 17 example.And Fig. 5 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 1 at central part, provides an example shows 7 * 7 regional frames to the picked-up object example.When setting the pattern of reference color information, just can begin the processing of handling from beginning reference color information setting with menu button 19d and confirming button 19c.

Among the step S101, export display of visually image and regional frame on display part 17 from image processing part 15 with the picture signal of CCD14 picked-up.At this moment, the image that shows on the display part 17 forms the overlapping show state of visual image and regional frame as shown in Figure 5.And the picture signal of image segmentation portion 31 that is input to system controller 30 from video memory 16 is by each Region Segmentation.

Among the step S102, be in and whether select this input waiting status of regional frame.At this moment, available thick lines frame surrounds the specific region and shows that expression can be selected.The user can move the zone of thick lines frame with cursor key 19b.For example the user makes the zone of thick lines frame move to central part by confirming button 19c, just can select middle section frame A1, the processing that enters step S103.

Among the step S103, look information calculations portion 34 calculates the look information of the image of cutting apart that shows in the selected zone (being the zone of thick lines frame), the processing that enters step S104 here.

Among the step S104, the look information that reference information configuration part 35 storage computation go out, and finish the reference color information setting and handle.

Fig. 6 is the operational formula of color harmony chrominance information in the embodiment of the present invention 1.Principle of operation to the color harmony chrominance information of the look information calculations portion 34 that illustrates among the step S103 describes below.In addition, share out bonus (hereinafter to be referred as " R "), green (hereinafter to be referred as " G "), blue (hereinafter to be referred as " B ") presentation video signal form 256 gray scales respectively with R, G, B and describe.

The calculating of color harmony chrominance information can be carried out in look information calculations portion 34.At first, the split image signal that 34 pairs of image segmentation portions 31 of look information calculations portion are exported is asked the maximal value of R, G, B, and the maximal value that order is tried to achieve is V (formula 1).Then, the split image signal that 34 pairs of image segmentation portions 31 of look information calculations portion are exported is minimized, and deducts the minimum value of being tried to achieve from V as d (formula 2).In addition, look information calculations portion 34 asks colourity S (formula 3) according to V and d.

If colourity S=0, look information calculations portion 34 just makes tone H=0 (formula 4).And look information calculations portion 34 carries out predetermined process, computing tone (formula 5～formula 7) under the situation of value beyond 0.Here, ask tone H with formula 5 under the maximal value that so-called predetermined processing is meant R, G, B and the situation that R equates, and ask tone H with formula 6 under the situation that G equates, and ask this processing of tone H with formula 7 under the situation that B equates.

At last, look information calculations portion 34 is under the situation of negative value at the tone H that is tried to achieve, and adds that 360 are transformed on the occasion of (formula 8).As mentioned above, look information calculations portion 34 calculates the color harmony chrominance information of split image signal by computing.

Fig. 7 is the drawing of color harmony chrominance information in the embodiment of the present invention 1.Among Fig. 7, the radial direction that colourity S is equivalent to chart makes that the center is S=0, and is plotted as towards peripheral S and increases in 0～255 scope.And tone H is equivalent to sense of rotation among Fig. 7, along sense of rotation with 0～359 numeric representation.

For example the look information of split image signal is the words of R=250, G=180, B=120, look information calculations portion 34 is just available above-mentioned various, from the various V=250 that obtains, d=250-120=130, colourity S=130 * 255/250=133, tone H=(180-120) * 60/133=27.

As mentioned above, look information calculations portion 34 calculates the colourity and the tone of split image signal.Colourity that calculates and tone can be used as reference color information and output to reference color information setting portion 35 and stored.The following describes and the reference near zone of reference color information in abutting connection with setting.

With the reference color information that look information calculations portion 34 calculates, be stored in reference color information setting portion 35, can be at any time with reference to the reference information of judging as the look information of the corresponding picked-up object that absorbs.Even but sometimes same picked-up object also can have delicate variation because of factors such as illumination light, time shutter cause the look information of being absorbed usually.Therefore, under the look both information situation relatively with reference color information and the picked-up object that should absorb, preferably make reference color information have a fixing allowed band and carry out the consistance judgement.Below with this reference color information wherein a fixing allowed band be called with reference near zone.

Provide the calculating of an example below to the reference near zone.Fig. 8 is a reference color information and with reference to the drawing of the color harmony chrominance information of near zone 1 in the expression embodiment of the present invention 1.Among Fig. 8,, be equivalent to the look information of storage in the reference color information setting portion 35 as the point that reference look information (H1, S1) is drawn.In addition, the tone H=27 that is tried to achieve under the situation of the R=250, the G=180 that had before calculated of reference color information representation, B=120 as an example (=H1), colourity S=130 (=S1).

With reference near zone 1 is zone to reference color information (H1, S1) the separate provision allowed band of being stored.Allowed band Δ H=10, the allowed band Δ S=30 of colourity that assumed appearance is transferred, then being equivalent to tone with reference near zone 1 is that H1 ± 10, colourity are the zone of S1 ± 30, is the line segment institute area surrounded of two circular arcs and two radial directions among Fig. 8.

Fig. 9 is a reference color information and with reference to the drawing of the color harmony chrominance information of near zone 2 in the expression embodiment of the present invention 1.Among Fig. 9, the point of drawing as reference look information (H1, S1) is equivalent to the look information that reference color information setting portion 35 stores.In addition, the tone H=27 that is tried to achieve under the situation of the R=250, the G=180 that had before calculated of reference color information representation, B=120 as an example (=H1), colourity S=130 (=S1).

With reference near zone 2 is that colourity is 0～255 four corner, by the allowed band Δ H regulation of tone.That is to say, be equivalent to the zone that tone is H1 ± 10 with reference to environs 2, is the sector region that line segment surrounded of circular arc and radial direction among Fig. 9.

All set same tone allowed band in two examples described above, but be not limited to this.Under the situations such as use secondary light source, by hue information the look range of information of institute's reference is revised, even if also can the correct provisioning term of reference under the situation of the place of insufficient light use camera head according to light source.For example under the situation with the red secondary light source of LED etc., can revise by making H1 migrate to 0.

And two examples described above are to make the look information stores of the picked-up object that is absorbed in the example of reference color information setting portion 35, but are not limited to this.For example also can in the camera head main body, store some reference color information such as the colour of skin in advance.

Figure 10 focuses in the expression embodiment of the present invention 1 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.Figure 11 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 1.Figure 12 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of 2 picked-up objects and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 1.Illustrate that below with reference to Figure 10～Figure 12 the focusing of the camera head of embodiment 1 follows shooting and handle.

Workflow diagram shown in Figure 10 is illustrated in the flow process of the program of working on the system controller 30.Among Figure 10, the user partly pushes under the situation of shutter release button 19a, begins to focus on to follow to make a video recording to handle.

Among the step S151, be shown in display part 17 with regional frame by CCD picked-up and the picture signal of implementing the Flame Image Process of regulation by image processing part 15.At this moment, show picked-up object P1 and 7 * 7 regional frames in the display part 17 as shown in figure 11.

Then, among the step S152, according to the reference color information of storage in the reference color information setting portion 35, calculate with reference near zone with prior figures 8 and wherein a certain method illustrated in fig. 9, judge whether each regional look information that look information calculations portion 34 is exported is in reference in the near zone.If there is the look information had zone near reference color information, the processing that just enters step S153, non-existent words just enter the processing of step S158.

Among the step S153, whether the look information that judgement is had is one near the zone of reference color information, if just a processing that enters step S156 is the processing that two or more words just enter step S154.

Use in the example of Figure 11, the look information that is had is one (regional A4) near the zone of reference color information, the processing that enters step S156.Among the step S156, in Fig. 1, drive focus lens group 13 on A direction or the B direction with focusing information calculations portion 32, lens position control part 33, lens drive division 21.Then, the contrasting signal that focusing information calculations portion 32 is generated according to focal position and picture signal, the highest focal position (focusing position) of contrast value among the A1 of computing zone is to lens position control part 33 output control signals.

Among the step S157, utilize lens position control part 33, lens drive division 21 selecting zone (regional A1) to make condenser lens 13, and enter following step S160 by the defocus amount till the focusing position of being tried to achieve by the focusing information calculations portion 32 this action of focusing by the processing of step S156.

And in the example with Figure 12, the look information that is had is 2 (regional A2 and A3) near the zone of reference color information, enters the processing of step S154.Among the step S154, utilize focusing information calculations portion 32, lens position control part 33, lens drive division 21, in Fig. 1, drive focus lens group 13 on A direction or the B direction.Then, the contrasting signal that focusing information calculations portion 32 is generated according to focal position and picture signal, the highest focal position (focusing position) of contrast value in computing zone A2 and each zone of A3 is to lens position control part 33 output control signals.

Among the step S155, select immediate zone (being regional A3) here in the middle of the defocus amount till each regional focusing position of being tried to achieve by focusing information calculations portion 32 from the processing by step S154, utilize lens position control part 33, lens drive division 21, make condenser lens 13 select zone (regional A3) focus this action and the processing that enters following step S160.In addition, although be to describe, also can preferentially focus to central near zone with example in access areas focusing.

Among the step S152, do not exist under the situation of look information that is had, enter step S158 near the zone of reference color information.Among the step S158, utilize focusing information calculations portion 32, lens position control part 33, lens drive division 21, in Fig. 1, drive focus lens group 13 on A direction or the B direction.Then, the contrasting signal that generated according to focal position and picture signal of focusing information calculations portion 32 is to the highest focal position of Zone Full computing contrast value.

Among the step S159, select immediate zone in the middle of the defocus amount till each regional focusing position of being tried to achieve by focusing information calculations portion 32 from the processing by step S158, utilize lens position control part 33, lens drive division 21, make condenser lens 13 select this action of zone focusing, and the processing that enters following step S160.Here, although be to describe, equally also can preferentially focus to central near zone with example in access areas focusing.

Among the step S160, judge whether to press fully shutter release button 19a, under situation about pressing fully, enter the processing of following step S161.Leave under the situation of shutter release button 19a, more than handle and all carry out again.Among the step S161, in the moment that shutter release button 19a presses fully, according to the instruction of system controller 30 outputs, carry out the picture signal of video memory 16 or image processing part 15 outputs is stored in this shooting processing of storage card, end focusing is followed shooting and is handled.

As mentioned above, adopt the camera head of embodiment 1, focus on adjustment, therefore can be easily the user be wished that the picked-up object of focusing focuses on and follow according to the look information of the picked-up object that can set arbitrarily.At this moment, the look information of picked-up object can be set arbitrarily by the user, and the function of camera head is improved.And look information is made up of color harmony colourity, follows so can be under the situation that not influenced by brightness the user be wished that the picked-up object of focusing focuses on.

In addition, be to illustrate in the embodiment 1, but the setting of regional frame is arbitrarily, as long as suitably set with the example that uses 7 * 7 regional frames.For example can near the central authorities of display part 17, dispose a plurality of regional frames, also can dispose one.

(embodiment 2)

Figure 13 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 2.It is identical that the camera head of embodiment 2 and the camera head of embodiment 1 roughly constitute, and therefore to playing the identical label of ingredient mark of identical function with Fig. 1, specifies omission.

Among Figure 13, reference color information setting portion 45 carries out under the situation that the reference color information setting handles, calculates in the middle of each regional look information that the look information calculations portion 34 of the camera head of embodiment 1 exported the look information in user-selected fixed zone and stores.And reference color information setting handling part 45 focusing under the situation of following the shooting processing, is read the look information of being stored, and outputs to regional selection portion 36.Reference color information setting handling part 45 is focusing under the situation of following the shooting processing also to image processing part 55 output update informations.The camera head of embodiment 2 can improve the focusing accuracy to the picked-up object according to the look information that is obtained by look information calculations portion 34 as mentioned below.

Figure 14 is the more detailed block diagram of image processing part in the embodiment of the present invention 2.Among Figure 14, image processing part 55 comprises AGC55a, R, G, B gain correction portion 55b, the 55c of white-balance correction portion, γ correction portion 55d and image correction handling part 55e.

AGC55a is AGC (automatic gain control) circuit of the gain of the picture signal revising CCD14 automatically and absorbed.The 55c of white-balance correction portion revises the white balance of the picture signal absorbed.γ correction portion 55d carries out γ to the picture signal of being absorbed and revises.Image correction handling part 55e revises scar of the pixel that exists in the picture signal etc.R, G, B gain correction portion 55b revise R, G, B gain of all kinds according to the update information that reference color information setting portion 45 is exported.

Pixel correction handling part 55e is to video memory 16 output image informations, for it being stored in storage card when the shooting, or is shown in display part 17, uses picture signal.R, G, B gain correction portion 55b are also to video memory 16 output image informations, and this picture signal can be used for controlling look information calculations and the contrast calculating that focus lens group 13 drives usefulness.

Figure 15 focuses in the embodiment of the present invention 2 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.The following describes the action of the camera head of embodiment 2.

The workflow diagram (Figure 10) that shooting is handled is followed in the focusing of following the camera head that increases the example explanation embodiment 2 that step S161 handles in the workflow diagram that shooting handles with the focusing of explanation in the embodiment 1 below, for embodiment 1 in the illustrated processing place of repeating omit explanation.In addition, this workflow diagram is illustrated in the flow process of the program of working on the system controller 50 equally.Identical with embodiment 1, the user partly pushes under the situation of shutter release button 19a, can begin to focus on to follow to make a video recording to handle.

In the camera head of embodiment 2, there is under the situation of look information that is had the processing that enters step S161 shown in Figure 15 among the step S152 near the zone of reference color information.In the camera head in the embodiment 2, stipulated reference near zone 2 shown in Figure 9.As an example, making colourity is 0～255 four corner, and tone and allowed band Δ H thereof are H1=0, Δ H=30.And making its term of reference of allowed band of tone is H=± 30.That is to say, the red colour system color is described as the reference near zone.

Among the step S161, carry out the gain correcting process of pixel after, return the processing of step S153 in the process flow diagram (Figure 10) of embodiment 1.Describe in detail below the camera head of embodiment 2 characteristic, be the gain correcting process of image.

The camera head of embodiment 2 is characterized in that, the picture signal that imaging apparatus is exported is carried out the Flame Image Process of 2 systems.That is to say that the 55c of white-balance correction portion of image processing part 55 and γ correction portion 55d to the level trim of carrying out of all kinds from the picture signal of CCD14, make the image that is absorbed seem nature and bright-coloured more.On the other hand, the R of image processing part 55, G, B gain correction portion 55b will be in order to focus on adjustment and to come the computing defocus amount by implementing Flame Image Process alone used contrast information be modified to be easy to focus and want the picked-up object of the color absorbed in having the user.

Figure 16 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 2.Display part 17 is to be in the petal P3 with red colour system color of front and the leaf P4 that green is a color that has of behind as the demonstration of picked-up object, and the state that shows 7 * 7 regional frames altogether is shown.

Figure 17 is the focal position before gain is revised in the embodiment of the present invention 2 and the performance plot of contrast value, the regional A5 of the picked-up object before expression R, G, B gain are revised (for comprise calculate look information 3 * 3 regional frames at AF regional frame interior, that calculate average contrast's information of 3 * 3 regional frames) the focal position and the average relation of contrast value.As shown in Figure 17, the focal position that its contrast value of the petal that mirrors previously is big is X1, and the focal position that its contrast value of the leaf that the depths mirrors is big is X2.

Usually, 55c of white-balance correction portion and γ correction portion 55d all carry out level trim to the picture signal of all kinds of CCD14 output, so that the image that is absorbed seems bright-coloured more naturally.Therefore, obtain under the situation of focal position and contrast value characteristic, be not necessarily limited to desirable focal position focusing by the user in the picture signal of carrying out according to the 55c of white-balance correction portion and γ correction portion 55d revising.

Among Figure 17 in the example of picked-up object, no matter the user want the picked-up of focusing to as if petal always contrast value height, the leaf that mirrors in the depths are focused, and can't focus to the petal of front.

Therefore, the camera head of embodiment 2, in advance the desirable reference color information of user (scopes of H=± 30) is stored in reference color information setting portion 45, carries out the comparison process of 3 * 3 each regional look both information among the regional A5 that this reference color information and look information calculations portion 34 calculated.Then, exist in the comparative result under the consistent regional situation (consistent regional frame is A6, A7 in Figure 17 example), reference color information setting portion 45 is to image processing part 55 output update informations, so that the R level improves among R, G, the B gain correction portion 55b, and the level of other colors descends.

Figure 18 is the performance plot of gain revised focal position and contrast value in the embodiment of the present invention 2, expression R, G, B the gain focal position of regional A5 of revised picked-up object and the relation of average contrast value.As can be seen from Figure 18, by the correction that gains with update information, the contrast value of the red petal of front improves, and the contrast value of the green leaves of depths descends.Consequently, even if picked-up object example among Figure 17 also can be focused and be wanted the picked-up object petal of focusing in the user.

As mentioned above, adopt the camera head of embodiment 2,, the gain of the split image in the picture signal of being absorbed is revised, therefore can be easy to the desirable picked-up object of user is focused for focusing according to the look information of storing in advance.

In addition, under the situation about in the embodiment 2 reference color information being set, R, G, B gain of all kinds are preferably returned the initial set value of regulation and are set.Can set reference color information by using initial set value, guarantee the reductibility of reference color information.

And, in the embodiment 2, also can increase among R, G, the B gain correction portion 55b pixel scar that exists in the picture signal etc. is revised this processing.By increasing this processing, can improve the focusing trace performance.

And in the example 2, explanation be the formation that comprises 3 * 3 regional frames of the unit that calculates look information, but a plurality of regional frames of configuration on also can display part 17 also can make regional frame unanimous on the whole with the regional frame that calculates reference color information.

And after the step S161 of Figure 15 handled, what connected was to carry out the flow process handled with the selection in a plurality of zones of Figure 10 explanation in the embodiment 1, but is not limited thereto.For example, for the focusing precision of the picked-up object that improves the desirable color of user, processing capacities are selected in a plurality of zones that also can have in the embodiment 1.

(embodiment 3)

Figure 19 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 3.The camera head of embodiment 3 and the camera head of embodiment 1 have identical substantially formation, therefore for the identical label of ingredient mark of Fig. 1 identical function, and omit its detailed description.

Among Figure 19, the look information of brightness detection unit 37 input look information calculations portions 34 outputs, according to each regional V that formula shown in Figure 61 is tried to achieve, whether export saturated back to judge brightness.Selecting prohibition unit 38 to send prohibition information to regional selection portion 46 selects as the zone of focusing with the zone of the luminance saturation avoiding brightness detection unit 37 is judged.

Figure 20 focuses in the expression embodiment of the present invention 3 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.Below the workflow diagram that shooting is handled is followed in the focusing of the camera head of embodiment 3, following as the focusing of explanation in the embodiment 1 increases the example that step S171 and step S172 handle and describes in the workflow diagram (Figure 10) that shooting handles, for embodiment 1 in the processing of the explanation place of repeating omit explanation.In addition, this workflow diagram is represented the flow process of the program of working on the system controller 60 equally.Identical with embodiment 1, the user begins focusing and follows the shooting processing when partly pushing shutter release button 19a.

In the embodiment 2, enter step S171 behind the step S151.Among the step S171, have under the situation in luminance saturation zone, enter the processing of step S172, do not have the next processing of returning step S152 of situation in luminance saturation zone.

V is 255, the situation of luminance saturation takes place among its regional A6 of picture signal that is absorbed as an example explanation.Among the step S171, brightness detection unit 37 is judged luminance saturation among the regional A6, and to selecting prohibition unit 38 output judged results.Among the step S172, select prohibition unit 38 to avoid regional A8 is chosen as the regional this prohibition information of focusing, return the processing of step S152 again to regional selection portion 46 outputs.

Consequently, the focusing zone of luminance saturation is not used in to focus on and adjusts.Therefore, the camera head of embodiment 3 can not used information by the contrast information or the look information computing focusing of mistake according to saturated picture signal, so the situation of false focusing can not take place.

As mentioned above, adopt the camera head of embodiment 3, the focusing zone of luminance saturation is not used in focusing, and therefore false focusing can not take place, and focus lens group is correctly moved.

(example 4)

Figure 21 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 4.The camera head of embodiment 4 and the camera head of embodiment 1 have identical substantially formation, therefore for the identical label of ingredient mark of Fig. 1 identical function, and omit its detailed description.

Among Figure 21, reference color information setting portion 47 carries out under the situation of reference color information setting processing, calculate in the middle of each regional look information that outstanding information calculations portion 34 exported the look information in user-selected fixed zone and store, this regional location and the look information that calculated are exported to image processing part 56.And the look information of being stored is read focusing on to follow under the situation that shooting handles by reference color information setting portion 47, exports to regional selection portion 36.

And reference color information setting portion 47 focuses under the situation of following the shooting processing, exports update informations from reference color information setting portion 47 to image processing part 56.In addition, this update information is identical with the camera head of the embodiment 2 that illustrates with Figure 13 and Figure 14, and it describes omission in detail.

Figure 22 is the more detailed block diagram of image processing part in the embodiment of the present invention 4.Among Figure 22, image processing part 56 has identical formation substantially with the image processing part 55 of embodiment 2, therefore the ingredient with identical function is marked identical label, and omits its detailed description.

Specific region colour correction handling part 55f revises the color of specified region according to reference color information setting portion 47 zone position information of being exported and the look information that is calculated.Picture signal carried out exporting to video memory 16 after the correcting process of appointed area colour correction handling part 55f.

Figure 23 is the workflow diagram that the reference color information setting is handled in the embodiment of the present invention 4.Below the workflow diagram that shooting is handled is followed in the focusing of the camera head of embodiment 4, increase the example that step S181 handles in the workflow diagram of handling as the reference color information setting of explanation in the embodiment 1 (Fig. 3) and describe, for embodiment 1 in the processing of the explanation place of repeating omit explanation.In addition, this workflow diagram is represented the flow process of the program of working on the system controller 70 equally.Identical with embodiment 1, operate cursor key 19b, confirming button 19c, menu button 19d etc. by the user and can begin the processing of reference color information setting.

After calculating the look information in selected zone among the step S103, carry out the processing of step S181 shown in Figure 23, return the processing of step S104.Among the step S181, the positional information in reference color information setting portion 47 selected zones and look information are delivered to appointed area colour correction handling part 55f, colour correction is carried out in the appointed area handle.

Figure 24 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object and regional frame in the embodiment of the present invention 4.In the camera head of embodiment 4, under the situation of execution in step S181, be in show state shown in Figure 24, the color in the regional A1 of thick lines frame is replaced into reference color information.At this moment, preferably whole regional A1 is not replaced into reference color information, but keeps profile etc., prevent to impair user's operability by the edge that extracts the picked-up object.Then, in step S104, the look information that stored reference look information setting portion 46 is calculated finishes the reference color information setting and handles.

Like this, adopt the camera head of embodiment 4, on display screen, show therefore to confirm whether can extract the desirable look information of user with the contrast of picked-up object with the single look information of institute's reference under the situation of reference color information.

In addition, be that the zone of institute's reference and the zone that shows the single look information of institute's reference form identical size and describe in the embodiment 4, but be not limited to this.For example can to pixel one by one with compare with reference to the look information of crossing, be the look information of institute's reference with the pixel replacement of approaching look information.And, be not limited to reference to the look information of crossing, also can be replaced into colourity such as red, green, blue high use look, or be replaced into the high look information of visuognosis degree such as complementary color with respect to reference color information.

(example 5)

Figure 25 is the block scheme of camera head in the embodiment of the present invention 5.The camera head of embodiment 5 and the camera head of embodiment 1 have identical substantially formation, therefore for the identical label of ingredient mark of Fig. 1 identical function, and omit its detailed description.

Among Figure 25, reference color information setting portion 48 is under the situation of carrying out the processing of reference color information setting, calculate in the middle of each regional look information that outstanding information calculations portion 34 exported the look information in user-selected fixed zone and store, this regional location and the look information that calculated are exported to image processing part 57.And reference color information setting portion 48 follows the user-selected fixed look information in the middle of the look information of being stored of reading under the situation that shooting handles focusing on, and exports to regional selection portion 36.

And reference color information setting portion 48 focuses under the situation of following the shooting processing, exports update informations from reference color information setting portion 48 to image processing part 57.In addition, this update information is identical with the camera head of the embodiment 2 that illustrates with Figure 13 and Figure 14, and it describes omission in detail.

Figure 26 is the more detailed block diagram of image processing part in the embodiment of the present invention 5.Among Figure 26, image processing part 57 has identical formation substantially with the image processing part 55 of embodiment 2, therefore the ingredient with identical function is marked identical label, and omits its detailed description.

Zone position information and reference color information that sample (thumbnail) handling part 55g is exported according to reference color information setting portion 48 following that shooting is handled and the picture signal of the picked-up object of reference to video memory 16 output in order to focus on.Video memory 16 storages are from the picture signal of sample handling part 55g output.The picture signal of video memory 16 storages at this moment is shown in display part 17 as the reference picture that should focus on the look information of following in order to selection when focusing is followed.The picture signal that video memory 16 is stored for common photography the time is distinguished mutually below, can the picture signal that be stored in video memory 16 be called reference image signal from sample handling part 55g output.

By a plurality of reference image signals are stored in the video memory 16, make 16 reference image stored signals of video memory be shown in display part 17, the user can select arbitrarily to focus on the picked-up object of following, but will narrate below for the concrete processing of at this moment being carried out.In addition, sample handling part 55g monitors when common photography or with respect to the routine of display part and does not carry out sample and handle when showing.Therefore, in this case, picture signal is directly exported to video memory 16 from pixel correction handling part 55e.

And, in video memory 16, during the stored reference picture signal, can in video memory 16, guarantee nonvolatile storage, with the reference image signal compression or take out the frame storage.Can preserve a plurality of reference image signals with MIN capacity like this.

Figure 27 is the workflow diagram that the reference color information setting is handled in the embodiment of the present invention 5.The workflow diagram that the reference color information setting of the camera head of embodiment 5 is handled below, the workflow diagram of handling as the reference color information setting of explanation in the embodiment 1 (Fig. 3) increases the example that step S201, S202 and S203 handle and describes, for embodiment 1 in the processing of the explanation place of repeating omit explanation.In addition, this workflow diagram is represented the flow process of the program of working on the system controller 80 equally.Identical with embodiment 1, operate cursor key 19b, confirming button 19c, menu button 19d etc. by the user and can begin the processing of reference color information setting.

Among the step S201, it is wherein some as with reference to this selection input of image recording waiting status to be in the image that shows in the whole screen of the image that will show in the regional frame and display part 17.At this moment, specific region (regional frame or whole screen frame) surrounds with the thick lines frame and shows, what provide is selectable situation.The user can move the zone of thick lines frame with cursor key 19b.For example, press confirming button 19c, just can select image shown in the regional frame is carried out record, enter the processing of step S202 in case the user moves to regional frame with the zone of thick lines frame.

Among the step S202, the picture signal in the regional frame is stored in video memory 16 as the reference picture signal, at the reference picture of display part 17 demonstrations based on 16 reference image stored signals of this video memory.

And among the step S201,, just can select the record of the picture signal of whole screen in case the user makes the zone of thick lines frame move to whole screen and presses confirming button 19c, enter the processing of step S203.

Among the step S203, the picture signal in the whole screen is stored in video memory 16 as the reference picture signal, reference image stored signal in the video memory 16 is shown in display part 17.

The following describes the concrete action that shows example and camera head of present embodiment camera head.Figure 28 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object, regional frame and reference picture 1 in the embodiment of the present invention 5, is shown in the example that absorbs on the object P1 for 7 * 7 regional frames of sening as an envoy to.Set with menu button 19d and confirming button 19c under the situation of pattern of reference color information, the reference color information setting is handled and is begun to handle from Fig. 3, after this carry out the processing that illustrated in the embodiment 1, the look information that storage calculates with reference information configuration part 48 in step S104, the processing that enters step S201 among Figure 27.

Among the step S201, it is wherein some as with reference to this selection input of image recording waiting status to be in image in the whole screen of the image that will show in the regional A1 frame and display part 17.Here, the image that shows in the user-selected area A1 frame.Select under the situation of the image in the regional A1 frame, handle entering step S202 then.

Among the step S202, the picture signal in the regional A1 frame is stored in video memory 16, on display part 17, shows reference picture as shown in figure 28.Reference picture is shown in the reference picture display box shown in the downside of display part 17.In the example shown in Figure 28, the downside of display part 17 has 7 reference picture display boxes, just the image that shows in the regional A1 frame is shown as the reference image in one of them reference picture display box (zone C 1).So, finish the reference color information setting and handle.

In addition, the tables of data of reference color information setting portion 48 preservation reference pictures and the corresponding record of reference color both information.Figure 29 illustrates the routine tables of data that reference color information setting portion 48 preserves.Among Figure 29, it is corresponding with this reference picture to be used to focus on the reference color information (tone H, colourity S) of following when selecting reference picture.Reference color information setting portion 48 follows shooting comparable data table when handling in focusing, used reference color information in the time of will following for focusing on the user-selected fixed corresponding reference color Information Selection of reference picture.

Figure 30 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object, regional frame and reference picture 1 and 2 in the embodiment of the present invention 5, illustrates to make 7 * 7 regional frames be shown in the example that absorbs on the object P2.Utilize menu button 19d and confirming button 19c to set under the situation of pattern of reference color information, the reference color information setting is handled and is begun to handle from Fig. 3, carry out the processing that illustrated in the embodiment 1 then, among the step S104, the look information that storage of reference information configuration part 48 is calculated, the processing that enters step S201 among Figure 27.

Among the step S201, be in image in area B shown in Figure 30 1 frame and the image in the whole screen wherein some as importing waiting status with reference to this selection of image recording.Here, the user selects the image of demonstration in the whole screen.Select under the situation of the image of demonstration in the whole screen shown in Figure 30, handle entering step S203.

Among the step S203, the picture signal in the whole screen of display part 17 is stored in video memory 16 as the reference picture signal, as shown in figure 30, on display part 17, shows reference picture.In addition, in this step, the corresponding storage of reference color information (being the look information of area B 1 here) of reference image signal and step S104 shown in Figure 3 storage.

In the example of Figure 30, expression will be shown among Figure 28 image in the regional A1 as the reference image recording after, with the image that shows in the whole screen situation as the reference image recording.As shown in figure 30, the reference picture 2 of new record is shown in the downside of display part 17 with the reference picture 1 of precedence record as reference image 2.So, finish the reference color information setting and handle.

And, can absorb the edge extracting of object, apply selectedly as zone (being the cap part of absorbing object P2 under this situation) with reference to image with the look information of correspondence, also can form the look information that only keeps selected area part.And, can be separately the look information in selected zone be shown as the reference image.

Figure 31 focuses in the embodiment of the present invention 5 to follow the workflow diagram that shooting is handled.Figure 32 is the synoptic chart that mirrors the display part of picked-up object, regional frame and reference picture 1～3 in the embodiment of the present invention 5.Illustrate that below with reference to Figure 31 and Figure 32 the focusing of the camera head of embodiment 5 follows shooting and handle.

Workflow shown in Figure 31 illustrates is the flow process of the program of working on the system controller 80.Below the workflow diagram that shooting is handled is followed in the focusing of the camera head of embodiment 5, following workflow diagram (Figure 10) that shooting handles as the focusing of explanation in the embodiment 1 increases the example that step S211～S213 handles and describes, for embodiment 1 in the processing of the explanation place of repeating omit explanation.In addition, this workflow diagram is represented the flow process of the program of working on the system controller 80 equally.Identical with embodiment 1, partly push the user under the situation of shutter release button 19a, can begin to focus on to follow to make a video recording and handle.

Among the step S151 among Figure 10, the picture signal of implementing specify image capture by image processing part 57 with the CCD14 picked-up is shown in display part 17 with regional frame.The demonstration of display part 17 at this moment is illustrated in Figure 32.Shown in figure 32, the downside of display part 17 shows picked-up object P2,21 * 13 regional frames and shows 7 reference picture display boxes 1～7 that reference picture is used.And among Figure 32,3 reference picture display boxes 1～3 in 7 reference picture display boxes (show reference picture in the zone C 1～C3).

Among the step S211, judge whether the reference picture that is write down is one.The reference picture that is write down is under a plurality of situation, handles just entering next step S212.On the other hand, the reference picture that is write down is under 1 the situation, to mean that the reference color information that reference color information setting portion 48 is stored is one.In this case, reference color information setting portion 48 does not need to select reference color information in the middle of a plurality of candidates, the therefore processing that enters step S152.

Among the step S212, wait for the input of whether selecting reference picture.The user selects to wish to focus on the reference picture of following in the middle of a plurality of shown reference pictures.In the example shown in Figure 32, in the middle of 3 reference pictures 1～3 of conduct, select one with reference to image recording, demonstration.Here, be set at reference picture shown among the user-selected area C2 2.When in the middle of a plurality of candidates, selecting reference picture, can the overstriking of selected reference picture display box or highlight is outstanding etc., so that the user can understand the reference picture of current selection.In case the user selects reference picture, handle just entering next step S213.

Among the step S213, selection should focus on the reference color information of following.Reference color information setting portion 48 bases and the selected corresponding reference color information of reference picture of step S211, calculate with reference near zone with previous Fig. 8 and a certain method illustrated in fig. 9, judge whether each regional look information that look information calculations portion 34 is exported is in reference in the near zone.The look information that existence is had is near the zone of reference color information, the processing that just enters step S153.Non-existent words just enter the processing of step S158.

In the example shown in Figure 32, in the later processing of step S152, the regional determination consistent with reference color information is for being area B 2, and the order of S152, S153, S156, S157, S160, S161 is handled set by step.Specifically, computing defocus amount in area B 2 utilizes focusing information calculations portion 32, lens position control part 33, lens drive division 21 to drive focus lens group 13 on the A of Figure 25 direction or B direction.After this, the highest focal position (focusing position) of contrast value in the contrasting signal computing area B 2 that focusing information calculations portion 32 is generated according to focal position and picture signal is exported to lens position control part 33 with control signal.

Like this, adopt the camera head of embodiment 5, just can write down a plurality of users and want the look information of the high picked-up object of the frequency that absorbs to select, all write down the look information of wanting the picked-up object that absorbs when therefore not needing to change the picked-up object each time.Therefore, the user is as long as the time select the look information of desirable picked-up object in photography, therefore, can realize that focusing easy to use follows camera function.

And, by reference image signal being stored in the nonvolatile storage of video memory 16, be recorded as reference image signal after, can have nothing to do with the on/off of camera head main body and preserve the reference picture that is write down.And, can wipe the reference picture of record according to user's instruction, also can be substituted in the nonvolatile storage storage, be stored in the volatile storage area by work such as secondary power supplies.And, reference image signal can be stored under the situation of volatile storage area, even if power supply is wiped the reference image information that is write down when disconnecting,, power supply makes its work but writing down reference image signal when connecting once again once more.And, also can switch the demonstration of reference picture/do not show according to user's instruction.

In addition, can when camera head being carried out factory's adjustment a plurality of representational look information be recorded as default value, the user can select desirable look information, also can delete this default value, the look information that user record is new.And, be to be that example describes in the situation that reference color information setting portion, reference image signal are stored in video memory, but the memory block of reference color information, tables of data, reference image signal is not limited thereto with reference color information and data table stores.

The camera head of each embodiment is not limited to concrete correspondence, can carry out appropriate change.For example, the camera head of each embodiment, all be to be that example describes, but also go for operating during the shooting button digital video video camera that in accordance with regulations timing continues to obtain image to belong to the situation that the user operates the digital still life camera of obtaining rest image to shutter release button.In this case, even moving also can focus on, the picked-up object follows.And the camera head of each embodiment also can be used for surveillance camera, vehicle-mounted vidicon, IP Camera.In this case, have the situation that the user is difficult to operate shutter release button, but also can timing automatic in accordance with regulations be operated by shutter release button, or carry out remote-controlled operation etc.

And the camera head of each embodiment is the example that has system controller respectively, but also goes for the formed camera system of control CPU with its alternative PC, portable telephone terminal.In addition, but each ingredient is combination in any each other, for example can consider also that photographic optical system and imaging apparatus and other are formed in physically separated system example and photographic optical system, imaging apparatus, image processing part and other are formed in various combinations such as physically separated system example.

And, the camera head of each embodiment, mainly be by describing as the device that reference information has the function that the picked-up object is followed with look information, but also can not be independent use look information, but brightness value, contrast, level and the look information that will absorb object be made up as using with reference to information.And, also can use the radio-frequency component of the picked-up object of (wavelet) conversion of faint ripple or discrete cosine (DCT) etc. to be patterns of features information to the reference information adding.Like this, look information matches not only, and can carry out level, pattern match, therefore, can further improve the desirable trace performance of taking the photograph object to the user.

And in the camera head of each embodiment, the moment of extracting reference color information can be in the front and back of white-balance correction, the front and back that R, G, B gain are revised, or revised any moment of γ.

In addition, be divided into its regional frame of the display part in the camera head of each embodiment above that 7 * 7 examples that show describe, but to cut apart number irrelevant with this, also can cut apart carefullyyer, also can cut apart relatively slightlyer.In addition, can utilize the operation of menu button to cut apart number, also can from predefined regional frame, select a plurality of regional frames to set as a regional frame by any setting of user.

Camera head also can be as so-called single lens reflex formula camera system, with camera head main body and the separable formation of shooting opticator that comprises image pickup optical system.In this case, the camera head main body comprises imaging apparatus, image segmentation portion, look information calculations portion, reference color information setting portion, regional selection portion and focusing information calculations portion.But the lens drive division can be in camera head main body one side, also can be in shooting optic one side.

The lens drive division is under the situation of shooting optic one side, from the system controller of the camera head main body lens drive division to the shooting optic, makes the action of lens drive division by the e-command based on serial communication etc., and condenser lens is moved control.And, the lens drive division is under the situation of camera head main body one side, the mechanical interlinked mechanism that lens drive division by directly or indirectly making the camera head main body and shooting optic can move on optical axis direction at the condenser lens that moves on the optical axis direction etc. carries out combination, can move control to condenser lens.Condenser lens is indirectly moved in the mechanism of control on optical axis direction, for example cam, reducing gear are being arranged, will rotate the mechanism etc. that driving is transformed to linear drives.

Industrial applicibility

The present invention is suitable for the camera heads such as digital still life camera, digital video video camera.

Although above the present invention is had been described in detail, above-mentioned explanation only is to show of the present invention in all respects Model is not to be to limit its protection domain. Much less, can be in the situation that does not break away from protection domain of the present invention Lower, carry out all improvement, distortion.

Claims (14)

1. a camera head is exported the electrical picture signal that absorbs object, it is characterized in that,

Comprise:

Comprise and regulate the image pickup optical system that focus lens group that focus uses forms the optical image of described picked-up object;

Absorb the optical image of described picked-up object, be transformed to the imaging apparatus of described electrical picture signal;

Described picture signal is cut apart image segmentation portion for a plurality of zones;

Each described zone is calculated the look information calculations portion of look information respectively according to described picture signal;

Preestablish the reference color information setting portion of reference color information;

The comparative result of each the described look information that is calculated according to described reference color information and described look information calculations portion is selected the regional selection portion at least one zone in each described zone;

Selected described zone is calculated the focusing information calculations portion of the focusing information of described image pickup optical system; And

On optical axis direction, drive the lens drive division of described focus lens group according to described focusing information,

Described look information and described reference color information are by the information that relates to tone and relate in the information of colourity at least a information and form.

2. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described reference color information is described look information calculations portion according to the picture signal of picked-up in advance, the look information that the desired zone that described image segmentation portion is cut apart calculates.

3. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, comprises image processing part, and this image processing part comprises the correction portion according to the picture signal of the described imaging apparatus output of described reference color information correction,

Described focusing information calculations portion calculates described focusing information according to corrected described picture signal.

4. camera head as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, described correction portion is carried out and the different correction of picture signal that is used to show purposes or storage purposes the picture signal of described imaging apparatus output.

5. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described look information calculations portion calculates brightness with regard to each described zone respectively according to described picture signal, also comprises simultaneously:

Judge that the described brightness that calculates is whether greater than the brightness detection unit of setting; And

Forbid that described regional selection portion selects brightness that described brightness detection unit the calculated selection prohibition unit greater than the zone of setting.

6. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Also comprise when described lens drive division drives described focus lens group secondary light source to described picked-up object projection fill-in light,

Described look information calculations portion is according to the described described look information that calculates of the color correct of described fill-in light.

7. camera head as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that,

Comprise the display part of demonstration based on the image of described picture signal,

Also comprise described selected zone,, revise the appointed area colour correction handling part of the color of the described picture signal that described display part should show according to described reference color information.

8. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the information storage part of storing a plurality of reference color information.

9. camera head as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, also comprises the display part of a plurality of reference color information that show described information storage part storage.

10. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the information storage part of a plurality of reference color information of storage and the picture signal that is used to show the image relevant with this reference color information.

11. camera head as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises the display part of at least one side in the image of the described picture signal that demonstration is stored based on described information storage part and the described a plurality of reference color information.

12. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described camera head is separable to be camera head main body and shooting optic,

Described shooting optic comprises described image pickup optical system,

Described camera head main body comprises described imaging apparatus, described image segmentation portion, described look information calculations portion, described reference color information setting portion, described regional selection portion, described focusing information calculations portion and lens drive division.

13. camera head as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described camera head is separable to be camera head main body and shooting optic,

Described shooting optic comprises described image pickup optical system and lens drive division,

Described camera head main body comprises described imaging apparatus, described image segmentation portion, described look information calculations portion, described reference color information setting portion, described regional selection portion and described focusing information calculations portion.

14. SIC (semiconductor integrated circuit), be used for the described camera head of claim 1, it is characterized in that, make described image segmentation portion, described look information calculations portion, described reference color information setting portion, described regional selection portion and the work of described focusing information calculations portion at least.

Images